How to build a web app in under $110? Learn to build with Ruby on Rails using these resources
My top learning resources for non-technical founders trying to get into Ruby on Rails
One of the pros of Rails being around for almost 2 decades is that there are now a tonne of quality resources that can teach you how to build your Rails app as a beginner.
This means, if you can filter signal from the noise, you can build your startup MVP very inexpensively. All you need is determination to learn enough Rails that allows you to bring your ideas to life.
Here is a running list of the best learning resources for Ruby on Rails that I’ve bookmarked. Obviously, I haven’t completed all of them end-to-end (there are lots of them). But I have gone through enough to know that I should keep them around because they may just be helpful.
Twitter (X)
First, I learn a lot from following other Rails developers and seeing what they talk about. This often teaches me about the tools pros are using, what’s exciting in the Rails ecosystem and even Rails best practices.
I created a Twitter list comprising of 50+ developers who often tweet about Rails. You before anything, I suggest you follow the list here.
Websites
The Odin Project is a free, open-source project that helps people learn fundamental web development skills like Ruby on Rails. Their tutorials are deep and comprehensive. It has the most fun text material I have read for learning Ruby and Rails. For Rails, it even goes into the new Hotwire stuff! Highly recommended.
Best part? They often link to other best follow-up resources around the web that help me discover new websites and articles!
He is the founder of Odin Project who has written some very helpful articles teaching the basics of Ruby in his own blog under the tag Ruby Explained.
This is a course created by Andy from the Web-crunch Youtube channel - so it has a very high credibility. From the website, it looks like this is most a course for non-programmers who are trying to learn Rails - just like I am!
Go Rails has a large library of video tutorials, where a lot of beginner tutorials are available for free and an active community where questions get answered.
Videos
Web-Crunch channel on Youtube
Andy started out as a Wordpress freelancer who designed marketing websites. But he wanted to get the ability to bring his ideas to life. So, he started learning programming on the side.
He has been documenting his journey on the Web-crunch blog and Youtube channel, sharing whatever he learnt about Ruby on Rails as a beginner.
I love his no shortcuts approach to teaching. He records captivating screencasts of long-form tutorials that are of a surprisingly high quality, especially when you consider that he is doing this on the side as a solo-founder with his full-time job at Memberful.
Here are some series that have been particularly helpful to me:
Let’s Build with Ruby on Rails series on Youtube - This series is how I first discovered Andy’s channel. He has documented his journey building a clone of Twitter, Dribble, Project Management app, Discussion Forum, ecommerce store, Calendly and more through 100+ videos.
Ruby on Rails Application Templates series on Youtube - This series contains tutorials that will come in handy once you advance in your Rails learning journey a little. Debugging Rails, using Webpack, adding Markdown support, installing Tailwind, passwordless login and more.
Ruby on Rails - Extending Devise series on Youtube - No matter what app you build, you’ll want to build a user login system into it. So, you’ll inevitably run into a Ruby gem called “Devise”. This series discusses how to install Devise, configure it with default settings, and then later extend it.
Railscasts
Ryan started sharing short screencasts that focus on one Rails technique so viewers could quickly move on to applying it to their own projects. Although, he stopped producing new videos in 2013, the existing library is massive and is surprisingly still relevant. I suspect that’s in part because of the timelessness of Rails.
So, use this website to search for a Rails concept and you’re likely to find a helpful video there.
Freecodecamp Course on Youtube
Books
Agile Web Development with Rails
The first edition of this book was written by DHH, the creator of Rails, himself. It is now in its 7th edition and although DHH is no longer an author, it is one of the most recommended books for Rails beginners. The introduction is still written by DHH:
"This book is for programmers looking to build and deploy web-based applications. This includes application programmers who are new to Rails (and perhaps even new to Ruby) as well as those who are familiar with the basics but want a more in-depth understanding of Rails."
I love the philosophy of Michael, the author, behind creating this series of books - learn enough to be dangerous.
“The name “Learn Enough” refers to the philosophy that you don’t have to learn everything about most subjects—you just have to learn enough to be dangerous.
In this context, “dangerous” is meant to have a positive meaning, indicating that you are able to get things done.”
This book also has a foreword from Derek Sivers, the creator of CD Baby and renowned author. Musician turned programmer/entrepreneur, he famously wrote all the code for his SaaS company even though it cost his company millions in revenue simply because he enjoyed it. He wrote about this book, “Though I’ve worked my way through many Rails books, this is the one that finally made me “get” it.”
The first chapter of this book starts out like this:
“Lose your first 50 games as quickly as possible.” – Go Proverb
“Build your first 50 Rails Apps as quickly as possible”. – Go Proverb (paraphrased)
This book isn’t meant to teach you Rails from the ground up. It’s meant to be your second Rails book. If you know the “what” of Rails but don’t fully grasp the “why” and the “how”, this book is for you.